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December 24, 2011
December 23, 2011
Fantastic Friday Christmas Food: Santa Hat Brownies
Well this is actually the last post of the year as I'm having a little blogging break over Christmas to enjoy some chill out time with the family! I want to thank you ALL for stopping by my little blog this year. I'm still really enjoying blogging and there is so much n the horizon next year I cant wait to share that with you so keep reading!
In the meantime I thought I would end the year with this fabulous recipe from my bestie Rosie in Australia. Even though she just had a baby seven weeks ago (the gorgeous Tate) she still found time to make these really cute Santa hat brownies for her mothers group! Super Mum or what eh??
She found the recipe here so do go over and take a look.
And this is how they turned out...
Aren't they fabulous? They would be so great for a holiday party!
Wishing you all an amazing Christmas and a fun-filled and peaceful New Year. See you on the 2nd Jan!
Rachie xo
In the meantime I thought I would end the year with this fabulous recipe from my bestie Rosie in Australia. Even though she just had a baby seven weeks ago (the gorgeous Tate) she still found time to make these really cute Santa hat brownies for her mothers group! Super Mum or what eh??
She found the recipe here so do go over and take a look.
And this is how they turned out...
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| Photo by Rosie c/o A Chi Chi Affair |
Aren't they fabulous? They would be so great for a holiday party!
Wishing you all an amazing Christmas and a fun-filled and peaceful New Year. See you on the 2nd Jan!
Rachie xo
December 22, 2011
My Christmas Decorations Home Tour
Well as promised I thought I would show you round my slightly mismatched Christmas decorations!! I love decorating the house for Christmas but please excuse some of my rooms as they are not yet to my taste (hello living room!)
First up this is my mantelpiece in the living room. I bought the over sized baubles and the heart from Next and I love that they are so glittery! My hyacinth in the gold square vase was a gift from my friend Will.
The main feature in the living room is the Christmas tree. We always get a real one and this years is unintentionally bigger than usual! It smells so lovely! We do need a few more fairy lights but here it is in all its glory!
And here are a few of my favourite decorations. The golden bear and the wooden reindeer - both from House of Fraser and new this year.
Next onto the more contemporary decorations in the kitchen. Our advent sticker tree is by Cox and Cox (Please excuse the horrible door)
A few more on the fireplace in the kitchen. The white raffia tree is new for this year from TK Maxx, and the other decorations are from last year, the red tree from Paperchase and the white "Let it snow" banner from Etsy.
Hope you enjoyed my tour!
Happy Christmas all!
Rachie xo
PS: I'm also showing off my decorations on Florence Finds if you fancy a look
First up this is my mantelpiece in the living room. I bought the over sized baubles and the heart from Next and I love that they are so glittery! My hyacinth in the gold square vase was a gift from my friend Will.
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
The main feature in the living room is the Christmas tree. We always get a real one and this years is unintentionally bigger than usual! It smells so lovely! We do need a few more fairy lights but here it is in all its glory!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
And here are a few of my favourite decorations. The golden bear and the wooden reindeer - both from House of Fraser and new this year.
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Next onto the more contemporary decorations in the kitchen. Our advent sticker tree is by Cox and Cox (Please excuse the horrible door)
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
A few more on the fireplace in the kitchen. The white raffia tree is new for this year from TK Maxx, and the other decorations are from last year, the red tree from Paperchase and the white "Let it snow" banner from Etsy.
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Happy Christmas all!
Rachie xo
PS: I'm also showing off my decorations on Florence Finds if you fancy a look
December 21, 2011
Wedding Wednesday - A Christmas visit!
This is the last Wedding Wednesday for this year as I'm taking a little blogging break over Christmas. I hope you've been enjoying this series - there is so much more to come as the real build up begins next year!
This week we visited Andaz our wedding venue, for a Christmas dinner and to show my darling sister and her husband where we will be getting married. It was the first time we had been for dinner there since we booked and it was so nice to visit again.
We started with a little look around and showed them the gallery space where we are having the drinks reception. We then followed this by a cocktail in the bar. Mandarin Margarita for me and a mocktail for my sis who is expecting my newest niece or nephew. :-) I had almost forgotten how beautiful the bar is, the space feels grand but still intimate.
We then had dinner in the restaurant and again I completely remembered why we chose the space for our wedding. I love the stained glass dome in the ceiling. We had the Christmas menu which was delicious and there were so many lovely touches like some Christmas cranberry butter with the bread, the petit fours being mini mince pies and a complimentary glass of champagne!
It was such a lovely way to start the festive season and I cant wait to get married there and share the beautiful venue with all our family and friends!
Happy Christmas Wednesday! Come back tomorrow for a look at my decorations!
Rachie xo
This week we visited Andaz our wedding venue, for a Christmas dinner and to show my darling sister and her husband where we will be getting married. It was the first time we had been for dinner there since we booked and it was so nice to visit again.
We started with a little look around and showed them the gallery space where we are having the drinks reception. We then followed this by a cocktail in the bar. Mandarin Margarita for me and a mocktail for my sis who is expecting my newest niece or nephew. :-) I had almost forgotten how beautiful the bar is, the space feels grand but still intimate.
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| Andaz |
We then had dinner in the restaurant and again I completely remembered why we chose the space for our wedding. I love the stained glass dome in the ceiling. We had the Christmas menu which was delicious and there were so many lovely touches like some Christmas cranberry butter with the bread, the petit fours being mini mince pies and a complimentary glass of champagne!
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| Andaz |
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| Andaz |
It was such a lovely way to start the festive season and I cant wait to get married there and share the beautiful venue with all our family and friends!
Happy Christmas Wednesday! Come back tomorrow for a look at my decorations!
Rachie xo
December 20, 2011
Festive Tuesday Tales from the week!
Hi everyone!
Welcome to festive tales from the week! I just love this time of year!!
First up I started the week attending the lovely London Bloggers meet up arranged by the gorgeous Helena from A Diary of Lovely and beautiful Lauren from Aspiring Kennedy! It was such a great party - I met some lovely ladies and chatted to my good friend Will from Bright Bazaar so all in all a fab time was had! And we received these goodie bags! I particularly loved the decoration from Button mad supporting women in South Africa - its is proudly adorning my Christmas tree. Thanks ladies.
Next we finally purchased our Christmas tree which you can see on Thursday when I guide you through the decorations in my home. Here it is being packed. Its a beauty this year, bigger than usual and quite majestic!
Finally the highlight of the week was taking my sister and husband to show them our wedding venue and to have dinner. I'll chat about this more tomorrow but it was great to show them where we are getting married and also to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner!
Have a festive peaceful week!
Rachie xo
Welcome to festive tales from the week! I just love this time of year!!
First up I started the week attending the lovely London Bloggers meet up arranged by the gorgeous Helena from A Diary of Lovely and beautiful Lauren from Aspiring Kennedy! It was such a great party - I met some lovely ladies and chatted to my good friend Will from Bright Bazaar so all in all a fab time was had! And we received these goodie bags! I particularly loved the decoration from Button mad supporting women in South Africa - its is proudly adorning my Christmas tree. Thanks ladies.
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Next we finally purchased our Christmas tree which you can see on Thursday when I guide you through the decorations in my home. Here it is being packed. Its a beauty this year, bigger than usual and quite majestic!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Finally the highlight of the week was taking my sister and husband to show them our wedding venue and to have dinner. I'll chat about this more tomorrow but it was great to show them where we are getting married and also to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Have a festive peaceful week!
Rachie xo
December 19, 2011
Turquoise and Pink Christmas inspiration
Well Christmas week is finally here and I for one am hoping that its not too busy at work so I can enjoy the festive madness! If you still haven't finalised your Christmas table this year then I'm hoping this post provides some inspiration and shows you its not all about red, white and green! I think this would be particularly lovely in the southern hemisphere so all my friends there (Hello Rosie Peach!) do let me know if you try this out!
This is about as far as you can get from traditional Christmas decor but I think it still feels festive, I think its because the turquoise and pink really pop against the bed of snowy white! And the sprinkling of gold keeps it glamorous!
Do go over to the amazing Joielala blog for my inspirational pictures
Happy Christmas Monday!
Rachie xo
PS: I so want that sequin stocking!!
This is about as far as you can get from traditional Christmas decor but I think it still feels festive, I think its because the turquoise and pink really pop against the bed of snowy white! And the sprinkling of gold keeps it glamorous!
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| http://joielala.com/ |
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| http://joielala.com/ |
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| http://joielala.com/ |
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| http://joielala.com/ |
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| http://joielala.com/ |
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| http://joielala.com/ |
Do go over to the amazing Joielala blog for my inspirational pictures
Happy Christmas Monday!
Rachie xo
PS: I so want that sequin stocking!!
December 16, 2011
Fabulous Friday Food! Make your own Chocolate Stirrers!
Okay so pretend its this time next week; Christmas eve!! You are huddled by the fire, wrapping last minute Christmas gifts. Wouldn't you just love to make your Christmas cocoa extra special by making these yummy chocolate stirrers from Celebrations at Home?
I particularly love the fudge ones and the chocolate spoons! - delicious!!
Click over to Celebrations at Home here for the full how to!
I'm off to finish wrapping pressies!
Rachie xo
I particularly love the fudge ones and the chocolate spoons! - delicious!!
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| Celebrations at Home |
Click over to Celebrations at Home here for the full how to!
I'm off to finish wrapping pressies!
Rachie xo
December 15, 2011
Cute Christmas Garland ideas and wrapping presents!
I still haven't totally finished decorating the house - I like to do it gradually - adding pieces as I find them. I thought I would share these Christmas garland ideas as they are so cute!
My faves are the white poms poms threaded on a string and the crocheted red garland! Ooh I love the popcorn and the ribbon too! Find more ideas at One Charming Party here
I also came across these really sweet present wrapping idea also from One Charming Party! I love the idea of using a black pen to write on brown paper - you can write anything you like and make it personalised!! Adore the idea of using doilies too!
Have you wrapped your presents yet?
Rachie xo
My faves are the white poms poms threaded on a string and the crocheted red garland! Ooh I love the popcorn and the ribbon too! Find more ideas at One Charming Party here
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| One Charming Party |
I also came across these really sweet present wrapping idea also from One Charming Party! I love the idea of using a black pen to write on brown paper - you can write anything you like and make it personalised!! Adore the idea of using doilies too!
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| One Charming Party |
Have you wrapped your presents yet?
Rachie xo
December 14, 2011
Wedding Wednesday - Florist booked!
I made one of the key decisions for the wedding this week I have finally booked our florist and I couldn't be happier with our choice! After much deliberation I have chosen Hayford and Rhodes
Hayford & Rhodes is London’s oldest family florist with a rich history of designing decadent wedding flowers. Previously William Hayford, the business is over eighty years old and is now in the capable hands of three sisters – Amy, Laura and Joanna Rhodes. When I read this I did think it was a sign as I am one of three sisters too :-)
As soon as I met Charlotte the wedding planner, she immediately put me at ease and talked through all the flower options. She seemed almost as excited as me and her passion for flowers and flower knowledge really shone through which just made me so excited. It was definitely one of my favourite wedding meetings and I'm so grateful to Charlotte for making this part of my planning so lovely. She then prepared me a really detailed document which included all my ideas and mood boards and gave suggestions. There were some lovely options!
I thought I would share with you a couple of their floral displays, Their style is so pretty and feminine but also really modern! I love it!
Another decision made!
Rachie xo
Hayford & Rhodes is London’s oldest family florist with a rich history of designing decadent wedding flowers. Previously William Hayford, the business is over eighty years old and is now in the capable hands of three sisters – Amy, Laura and Joanna Rhodes. When I read this I did think it was a sign as I am one of three sisters too :-)
As soon as I met Charlotte the wedding planner, she immediately put me at ease and talked through all the flower options. She seemed almost as excited as me and her passion for flowers and flower knowledge really shone through which just made me so excited. It was definitely one of my favourite wedding meetings and I'm so grateful to Charlotte for making this part of my planning so lovely. She then prepared me a really detailed document which included all my ideas and mood boards and gave suggestions. There were some lovely options!
I thought I would share with you a couple of their floral displays, Their style is so pretty and feminine but also really modern! I love it!
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| Hayford and Rhodes |
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| Hayford and Rhodes |
Another decision made!
Rachie xo
December 13, 2011
Tuesday Tales from the Week!
Hi everyone!
Its been a busy week as ever with lots of festive gatherings! Here are my Tuesday Tales...
While shopping in London town I couldn't resist snapping the Oxford Street Christmas lights - Just Stunning and so festive! The bus came along at exactly the right moment to make it extra British ;-)
We had our Christmas party here and I spied this stunning vintage bar cart! I want one for our living room - so glamorous!
While in Bristol visiting friends on the weekend we stayed at this lovely B&B. Check out the wide sweeping staircase! I want one!
Have a lovely week!
Rachie xo
Its been a busy week as ever with lots of festive gatherings! Here are my Tuesday Tales...
While shopping in London town I couldn't resist snapping the Oxford Street Christmas lights - Just Stunning and so festive! The bus came along at exactly the right moment to make it extra British ;-)
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
We had our Christmas party here and I spied this stunning vintage bar cart! I want one for our living room - so glamorous!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
While in Bristol visiting friends on the weekend we stayed at this lovely B&B. Check out the wide sweeping staircase! I want one!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Have a lovely week!
Rachie xo
December 12, 2011
Christmas Table Inspiration - Winter Woodland
While searching for Christmas table inspiration I found this amazingly glamourous winter wonderland Christmas table put together by Double Take Event Styling via Hostess Blog. I love the manuscript paper combined with the white and the gold, it is super stylish and feels so modern! Look at the hot cocoa bar with the personalised paper cups and also those bauble place card holders.
Best of all is that all the amazing paper goods like the napkin rings, the place cards and even the cup wrappers are available to buy from Modern moments at Etsy so you can even recreate the look at home! Oh and there are even tutorials over at Double Take Event Styling Blog here on how to make the amazing paper trees!
For more pics and the how to, do hop over to Hostess Blog.
Do you love this as much as me?
Rachie xo
Best of all is that all the amazing paper goods like the napkin rings, the place cards and even the cup wrappers are available to buy from Modern moments at Etsy so you can even recreate the look at home! Oh and there are even tutorials over at Double Take Event Styling Blog here on how to make the amazing paper trees!
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| Hostess Blog |
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| Hostess Blog |
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| Hostess Blog |
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| Hostess Blog |
For more pics and the how to, do hop over to Hostess Blog.
Do you love this as much as me?
Rachie xo
December 09, 2011
Fabulous Friday Food: Hazelnut Spread
Hi all!
Today's recipe for Hazelnut spread by Raiza at http://delightdulce.blogspot.com/ which I found via Poppytalk would be such a great homemade Christmas gift that I had to post it! Dress it up in little jars with ribbons - perfect for gifts for your neighbours or friends! I would completely love to receive this.
Click over here for the full recipe!
Happy Weekend!
Rachie xo
Today's recipe for Hazelnut spread by Raiza at http://delightdulce.blogspot.com/ which I found via Poppytalk would be such a great homemade Christmas gift that I had to post it! Dress it up in little jars with ribbons - perfect for gifts for your neighbours or friends! I would completely love to receive this.
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| http://delightdulce.blogspot.com/ |
Click over here for the full recipe!
Happy Weekend!
Rachie xo
December 08, 2011
DIY Holiday Garlands
Have you got your Christmas decorations up yet? If not then I have got some really great DIY options brought to you by the ever fabulous Hank and Hunt via The Sweetest Occasion.
I love these ones made from doilies - they are so pretty if you are going for quite a natural rustic theme and so simple to make too! They would look great against white walls!
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| Hank and Hunt via The Sweetest Occasion |
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| Hank and Hunt via The Sweetest Occasion |
I also completely love this pipe cleaner option, super quick to do and they look so modern! Try alternating silver and white or red and white according to your Christmas theme. This would also be a lovely activity with the little ones!
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| Hank and Hunt via The Sweetest Occasion |
For loads more ideas click over to The Sweetest Occasion here.
Have you made any of your decorations this year?
Rachie xo
December 07, 2011
Wedding Wednesday - Honeymoon is booked!
Some very exciting news this week as after much deliberating we have finally booked our honeymoon! Woop!
We're first going to the cosmopolitan city of Singapore for two nights. I cant wait to experience the food and culture here, visit Sentosa island, shop and explore the city.
We're then going on to Bali in Indonesia and spending three nights in Ubud which is the cultural centre of Bali and located in rice paddies. I'm looking forward to exploring Monkey Forest and seeing some of the wildlife and visiting local galleries
Finally we're spending seven nights on the beach in Seminyak in the south of Bali. We plan to do some sightseeing but also to totally relax, soak up the sunshine and try the local restaurants. Bliss!
I cant wait!
Rachie xo
We're first going to the cosmopolitan city of Singapore for two nights. I cant wait to experience the food and culture here, visit Sentosa island, shop and explore the city.
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We're then going on to Bali in Indonesia and spending three nights in Ubud which is the cultural centre of Bali and located in rice paddies. I'm looking forward to exploring Monkey Forest and seeing some of the wildlife and visiting local galleries
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Finally we're spending seven nights on the beach in Seminyak in the south of Bali. We plan to do some sightseeing but also to totally relax, soak up the sunshine and try the local restaurants. Bliss!
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I cant wait!
Rachie xo
December 06, 2011
Tuesday Tales from the Week!
Can you believe we are now in December? Its come round so quickly! Only three weeks until Christmas!!!
Here is what I have been up to this week!
I took this gorgeous picture of St Paul's Cathedral peaking through the trees as we went to have a chat with the vicar who is marrying us next year. Its such an iconic building.
We ate at one of my fave restaurants Wahaca, I love the spray painted polka dots on the walls. So vibrant!
I was so pleased to win these free knickers from Coco Ribbon - what a great freebie! I've saving these for my honeymoon!
Have a lovely week!
Rachie xo
Here is what I have been up to this week!
I took this gorgeous picture of St Paul's Cathedral peaking through the trees as we went to have a chat with the vicar who is marrying us next year. Its such an iconic building.
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
We ate at one of my fave restaurants Wahaca, I love the spray painted polka dots on the walls. So vibrant!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
I was so pleased to win these free knickers from Coco Ribbon - what a great freebie! I've saving these for my honeymoon!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Have a lovely week!
Rachie xo
December 05, 2011
Whats going on at my house!
Hi all!
As there has been so much going on recently I thought I write a little post sharing it with you... I hope you enjoy seeing a little peak into my life!
First up our front door has had a little bit of a makeover with this bargain doormat from H&M. It looks so graphic and bold against our black door. The lanterns are quite a new addition too!
I've talked about the dinner party I hosted for my good friend Will from Bright Bazaar and I used some pomegranates to give some colour to the table. I was really pleased with how it turned out. These would be lovely to use on your Christmas table!
Look what is happening in our house.... Finally we are decorating the master bedroom. Seriously I know this picture makes the bedroom look like a dungeon but I am hoping its going to be serene and beautiful when its done!
And this is one of my inspiration pictures - Lets hope the finished result is as nice as this!!
Hope you enjoyed Monday's look into my life!
Rachie xo
As there has been so much going on recently I thought I write a little post sharing it with you... I hope you enjoy seeing a little peak into my life!
First up our front door has had a little bit of a makeover with this bargain doormat from H&M. It looks so graphic and bold against our black door. The lanterns are quite a new addition too!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
I've talked about the dinner party I hosted for my good friend Will from Bright Bazaar and I used some pomegranates to give some colour to the table. I was really pleased with how it turned out. These would be lovely to use on your Christmas table!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
Look what is happening in our house.... Finally we are decorating the master bedroom. Seriously I know this picture makes the bedroom look like a dungeon but I am hoping its going to be serene and beautiful when its done!
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| A Chi Chi Affair |
And this is one of my inspiration pictures - Lets hope the finished result is as nice as this!!
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| Dulux |
Hope you enjoyed Monday's look into my life!
Rachie xo
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